Priority Vanth full-suspension mountain bike: a tricky design unlike anything seen before

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• Vanth at a glance: key specs for riders and search engines
• Why Priority named it Vanth and what it aims to be
• Stillpoint suspension: what makes it different
  • How the pivot and third member reshape suspension behavior
  • Performance benefits riders will notice
• Patents, tensioners and drivetrain growth explained
• Pinion gearbox and Gates belt: maintenance and ride advantages
• Construction and component choices that shape handling
• Sizes, reach and intended rider fit
• Build tiers, pricing and what’s included
• Where and when you can buy one
• How the Vanth fits into today’s MTB landscape

The launch of the Vanth marks Priority Bicycles’ leap from belt-drive commuters into serious trail territory. This new full-suspension model pairs a gearbox and belt drive with an unconventional suspension layout. Riders and bike tech fans will find plenty to debate and admire in its design and spec sheet.

Vanth at a glance: key specs for riders and search engines

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• Travel: 165mm rear, 170mm fork.
• Drivetrain: Pinion Smart.Shift C1.9i, 9-speed gearbox.
• Belt system: Gates CDX Belt Drive — low maintenance.
• Frame: Aluminum front triangle with a carbon fiber swingarm.
• Wheels: Mixed wheel setup only.
• Geometry highlights: 64° head angle, 78.5° seat angle, 448mm chainstays.
• Wheelbase: S1 1230mm | S2 1269mm | S3 1309mm.

Why Priority named it Vanth and what it aims to be

Priority chose a name rooted in ancient myth to hint at the bike’s role. The Vanth of legend guided travelers through change and danger. Priority aims to build that same steady confidence into a bike meant to carry riders into unfamiliar terrain. The company is applying years of belt-drive engineering to a platform built for enduro and aggressive trail use.

Stillpoint suspension: what makes it different

The Vanth uses a patent-pending layout called Stillpoint. It borrows the advantages of high-pivot bikes — excellent stability over square-edge hits and composure at speed — while addressing common trade-offs that hurt braking and low-speed traction.

How the pivot and third member reshape suspension behavior

Rather than using the seat tube or standard frame sections to locate the main pivot, Stillpoint adds a new structural element. That added “Third Frame Member” moves the pivot and idler forward of the seat tube. The result is a long, rearward axle path with anti-rise tuned for braking stability.

Performance benefits riders will notice

• Reduced pedal kickback — Priority reports just 3.2° of rotation.
• Stable chassis under braking, with less rear squat than many high-pivot bikes.
• Better small-bump sensitivity while retaining composure over big hits.
• Room for deep seatpost insertion, enabling very long dropper posts on larger sizes.

Patents, tensioners and drivetrain growth explained

Stillpoint includes a tensioner and idler arrangement designed for internally geared, high-pivot systems. This device allows the belt or chain to grow during suspension travel while keeping tension. That approach reduces the drivetrain forces that cause kickback and lets the suspension move freely without belt slack issues. Priority has filed patents covering how the tensioner travels and how it maintains control over belt growth.

Pinion gearbox and Gates belt: maintenance and ride advantages

Pairing a center-mounted gearbox and Gates belt changes service needs and weight distribution. The Pinion C1.9i sits low and central, lowering unsprung mass at the rear wheel. The belt eliminates a traditional derailleur and long chain, cutting routine adjustments. Owners should expect simple upkeep on the gearbox, with basic service intervals such as an oil change every several thousand miles.

Construction and component choices that shape handling

The Vanth blends materials and geometry to balance responsiveness and strength. The front triangle is aluminum for durability. The rear swingarm is carbon to save weight and tune flex. Mixed wheels aim to combine rollover capability with nimble front-end steering. Geometry numbers push the bike toward aggressive descending while keeping climbing manageable.

Sizes, reach and intended rider fit

Priority avoids S/M/L labels and uses three sizes: S1, S2, S3. Reach begins at about 440mm on S1 and goes to roughly 510mm on S3. Each size is calibrated to deliver an even front-to-rear balance. Longer reaches on bigger sizes allow for more stability at speed and room for steeper drops on descents.

Build tiers, pricing and what’s included

The Vanth is offered in three build levels. All include the Pinion C1.9i gearbox, Gates CDX belt, and the Stillpoint suspension.

1. Performance Elite — $5,999.
2. Factory — $6,799.
3. Podium — $7,999.

Each tier changes component quality and finishing parts to match budget and performance needs. The core drivetrain and suspension concept remains the same across all builds.

Where and when you can buy one

The Vanth is sold directly through PriorityBicycles.com. Priority plans to ship bikes 95% assembled to customers. Initial shipping begins January 16, with next-day dispatch for in-stock orders starting January 17. Priority supports a 30-day return policy for bikes returned in like-new condition and offers a lifetime frame warranty to the original owner.

How the Vanth fits into today’s MTB landscape

The Vanth is Priority’s first full-suspension entry after years of belt-drive development. It challenges common assumptions about high-pivot designs by blending gearbox advantages with a unique frame member and tensioning system. For riders who want low maintenance, stable high-speed performance, and a fresh take on suspension kinematics, the Vanth is a noteworthy option to watch.